Sermon Leftovers

I'm not settled. But here are some of the Bible passages I'm chewing on as I consider my position on the myriad of issues surrounding COVID19 and my response as a Christian and a pastor. The Tower of Babel in Genesis 11. All the people of earth were unified in their pursuit of a common goal. Driven by scientific and technological advancements, they planned to make a name for themself. At the core of their efforts was their assertion that they could solve anything on their own. They no longer needed God. Is COVID19 reminding us that even if we all unite, we are still not omnipotent and we are still vulnerable? The Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25. Everything God gives us is to be used for His kingdom and His agenda. Are we, as God's stewards, rising up the challenge of COVID19 and using this opportunity to double our kingdom influence? Or, are we in fear hiding the talent we have been given? Jesus Calms The Storm in Mark 4. My favorite piece of this story i

Words are small but mighty. Your words can be a gift or a grenade. They can encourage or they can explode. With your words you can inspire your neighbor or you can crush your friend. With your words, you can bring calm to a storm or you can escalate a conflict. If you are working on "holding your tongue" more often, create a hard copy of these verses and keep them with you. Read through this list 3-5 times every day and remind yourself that you want to taste your words before you spit them out! Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; ‭‭James‬ ‭1:19 If a wise man has an argument with a fool, the fool only rages and laughs, and there is no quiet. Proverbs 29:9 Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble. ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭21:23‬ A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back. Proverbs 29:11 Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool sp

A great way to start and end your day is to simply think about who God is. Here are 14 verses to remind you of a few of God's character traits. Read these aloud and remember who He is! 1 Corinthians 10:13 | God is FAITHFUL No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 1 John 1:5 | God is LIGHT This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. John 3:16 | God is GENEROUS For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 1 John 4:8 | God is LOVE Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. Psalm 18:30 | God is a SHIELD This God—his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refug

Whether or not life is uncertain is simply a matter of perspective. While I may feel uncertain about what is coming next, God does not. He is certain and He is not worried. When you were a child riding in the back seat of the car, there were many times you didn't know where you were going. Your parent(s) did, though. Most of the time, it didn't even cross your mind to be nervous about your uncertainty, because you trusted the driver's knowledge and ability to deliver you to the destination. God's knowledge and ability are far superior to the driver of that car. He is not uncertain. Not only does He hold tomorrow, He knows what tomorrow holds.  Here are five verses to read aloud when you feel some of life's uncertainty creeping in. Matthew 6:26 "Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" Proverbs 3: 5 -6 "Trust in the LORD w

You can get through this! Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Use your times of solitude to draw closer to God. Luke 5:16 But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. God is with you. He is in control. Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.  Jesus knows exactly how you feel. 1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. Even if everyone abandons you, Jesus never will. Proverbs 18:24 One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Don't be afraid to tell God how you feel. 1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxieties on him, because he cares for y

I received an email today from a friend requesting a few encouraging verses. I shared a couple with her and then thought perhaps I should just post them here as well. Maybe these will be an encouragement to you as well. We can all use a little more hope, joy, and peace. John 16:33 -- I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” Isaiah 26:3 -- You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. 1 Peter 5:7 -- Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Psalm 4:8 -- In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. 1 Peter 1:3 -- Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, John 16:22 -- So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you

Mathew 3 tells the story of John the Baptist. When he was approached by the religious leaders (who most people knew to be hypocrites), John said to them: Bear fruit in keeping with repentance. This simple and powerful statement was a reminder that God wants more than just words of worship. He wants to change our hearts, and when He changes our hearts, our lives change. Use the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)this morning to consider whether your life is bearing the fruit of a changed heart. love - Am I putting the good of others ahead of my own good? joy - Am I choosing to rejoice in the Lord even when life isn't fun? peace - Am I resting in the knowledge that God is in control and will provide all I need? patience - Am I comfortable waiting for God's provision, even if it doesn't happen in my timing? kindness - Do my words and actions "taste" good to others? Do I remind people of Jesus? goodness - Do I do the right thing, even when it may cost